Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW)
UHMW, also known as UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material, with a continuous use temperature range of up to 180° F (82° C).
Description
UHMW, also known as UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material, with a continuous use temperature range of up to 180° F (82° C). It is categorized as an engineering material, and offers a unique combination of wear and corrosion resistance, a low-friction surface, and high impact strength.
UHMW exhibits very low moisture absorption, and retains key physical properties at temperatures as low as minus-22° F (minus-30° C). It offers very good electrical insulating properties, moderate mechanical strength and stiffness, and excellent machinability. It is an excellent general-purpose material which offers performance properties that make it effective in a tremendous range of applications, particularly food handling solutions, conveyance mechanisms and material handling, and packaging solutions where wear resistance and durability are crucial. Plus, UHMW meets a wide range of regulatory compliance standards, including 3-A Dairy, ASTM/Mil-Spec, FDA, UL-94 Flame Class, and USDA.
Polymershapes proudly offers UHMW from industry-leading manufacturers, including Quadrant Engineering Plastics, makers of Tivar®. We can meet your UHMW needs in a variety of shapes and sizes, including sheet, rod, and tube. We can also provide you with various grades of this versatile material, including bearing grade, ceramic filled, FDA, virgin, glass filled, reprocessed, oil filled, static dissipative, UV resistant, anti-skid, flame retardant, high temperature, and metal detectable. Available colors include natural, black, blue and green.
Did you know that Polymershapes can help you meet all your requirements for plastics and associated products? We carry a vast array of material solutions, and we will provide you a wide range of industry-leading value-added capabilities. Our local facilities, film conversion centers and fabrication centers are staffed by experienced teams eager deliver best-in-class convenience and customer service.
Polymershapes looks forward to helping you meet your needs for UHMW, and more! — contact your local Polymershapes facility today for more information!
Features & Benefits
- Superior abrasion resistance
- Low coefficient of friction
- Good corrosion resistance
- Excellent impact strength
Applications
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Bearings and Bushings
- Building & Construction
- Chemical Processing
- Food and Beverage Preparation and Processing
- Gaskets and Seals
- Gears
- Heavy Equipment
- Hopper and Bed Liners
- Machine Shops
- Milling and Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Orthotics
- Outrigger Pads
- Packaging and Conveying Equipment
- Playground Equipment
- Recreational Vehicles
- Semiconductor and Electronics
- Sheaves
- Sporting Goods
- Tooling
- Valves and Fittings
- Wear Strips
Physical Properties
| UNITS | ASTM Test | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength @ break @ 73°F | psi | D638 | 3,550 – 5,800 |
| Flexural modulus @ 73°F | psi | D790 | 98,300 – 222,000 |
| Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in of notch | D256 | 1.0 – 16 |
| Deflection Temperature Under Load @ 264 psi | °F | D648 | 154 – 173 |
| Water absorption @ 73°F – 24 hours | % | D570 | <0.01 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) | (in/in°F) | D696 | 6.8E-5 to 7.8E-5 |
| Coefficient of friction | D1894 | 0.08 – 0.2 |
*Technical Data is provided courtesy of UL Prospector (www.ulprospector.com) and IAPD (www.IAPD.org).
Data is to be considered representative and is provided for guidance only. All product performance must be verified by the user under actual application conditions.
Standard Sizes
| Sheet | Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ to 60″ x 120″ Thickness: 0.060″ – 6″ |
| Rod | Diameter: 0.25″ – 10″ Length: 1′ – 10′ |
| Tube | Outside Diameter: 0.875″ – 9.5″ Length: 5′ – 10′ |
*The sizes above are standard stocking sizes. Other custom sizes are available upon request. Please contact your local branch for information and a quote.
Suppliers / Brands
| Suppliers | Brands |
 | Tivar® |
| Polymer Industries | |
| Rochling |